More Peacekeepers Head To Central African Republic

The Seleka rebel swept to power in March Photo credit: BBC News Africa

BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of Congo (AP) — The Republic of Congo has sent 200 more soldiers to join a peacekeeping force in Central African Republic, which saw an upsurge in violence that killed dozens earlier this month.

Gen. Blanchard Okoye, the armed forces chief of staff, urged the soldiers to be disciplined during a ceremony Sunday marking their departure. The troops will join 150 other Republic of Congo soldiers who were deployed in July under the banner of a regional force that is now being transformed into a 3,600-member international peacekeeping mission.

The security situation in Central African Republic remains dire six months after the Seleka coalition of rebels ousted Francois Bozize, the former president.

President Michel Djotodia announced on Friday that he had dissolved Seleka, though it was unclear what effect this would have on curbing violence.